Building The Perfect Capsule Wardrobe

Even in the most expressive, flavorful closet, every man should be able to carve out a compact and stylish capsule wardrobe. Let's run down (some of) the things you'll need.

Listen: Philippe Powell - For You To Know

So, here’s the thing - not everyone needs to be defined as a minimalist or maximalist when it comes to what is or isn’t in their closet.

Now, while I will shout it from the rooftop of those wildly musty but undeniably memorable summer parties in Brooklyn that you should shop sustainably - procuring much of what you wear from independent designers/brands or thrifting older clothes that have stood the test of time - please feel no ways about buying as much as your love for clothing necessitates.

Whatever you do have, tucked somewhere within those confines should exist a capsule wardrobe - a convertible collection of items extracted from the whole of your closet designed to serve any need, in any place, during any occasion.

Should you find yourself in Mexico City for the summer or planted in London during a rainy spring, a versatile capsule wardrobe offers elevated and sharp sartorial doses through complementary and interchangeable closet staples.

But what are they? What exactly do you need pull from your jawn-stuffed fortress of a closet to build a capsule that jealous ones will most certainly envy? Let’s run through the basics.

Lightweight Jacket

Don’t act like you didn’t think this would be the No. 1 overall pick. A great lightweight jacket, in my estimation, is the most transitional item in your closet - so it is without question a centering mechanism in a capsule wardrobe. Reaching for your favorite denim jacket would be a solid choice. However, pulling something in a lighter fabrication - maybe seersucker, viscose, or a cotton blend - could serve you well all the same.

Every Occasion Jeans

Never underestimate the importance of a great pair of jeans. Preferably straight-leg so they can be worn casually or slightly more elevated, I’d say opt for a medium wash or black. Something that can go from day to night with ease; something that can work at the coffee shop or on a spontaneous hang where you need to appear effortlessly pulled together.

Classic Loafers

A favorite wardrobe staple for me, the loafer is much more versatile than you think. Construct a tougher than leather capsule wardrobe and your loafers play well with trousers, jeans, shorts, and even a tailored pair of off-duty sweats. You should have a good two-tone pair by now. They’ll provide more texture than you think.